Changes Coming to the COR Program

Media ReleaseAgSafe BC Announces Transition of COR Certification Services Effective January 1, 2027

What is changing?

As of December 31, 2026, AgSafe BC will no longer serve as a COR Certifying Partner.

AgSafe BC is still the Health and Safety Association for the Agricultural Industry striving to create a safe and healthy work environment in BC through outreach and an active program of education, training and consultation in all regions of the province.

How will employers be notified?

On September 30, 2026, all COR-certified employers did receive an email outlining the transition process, including general information and guidance on selecting an appropriate Certifying Partner (CP).

Is the recommended CP assignment mandatory for employers?

No. It is a default recommendation. Employers may choose any approved Certifying Partner that supports their industry classification, audit requirements, and certification needs.

What are the audit deadlines?

All audits must be completed and submitted to AgSafe BC no later than December 31, 2026.

Where can employers get support during the transition?

Throughout 2026/2027, AgSafe BC and WorkSafeBC (WSBC) transition team will be available to provide information, guidance, and support to agricultural and naturally aligned employers navigating the COR transition process.
AgSafe Transition Team stephanie@agsafebc.ca
WorkSafeBC COR Program – AgSafe Transition Project (Attn: Sandra Kolberg, Aryo Wirastomo, and Peter Valbonesi)partners.program@worksafebc.com

What steps are required to maintain COR certification?

Employers wishing to continue participating in the COR program will need to register with a new Certifying Partner in January 2027.

What if my company is in Year 1 (M1) or Year 2 (M2) of the COR three-year cycle in 2027?

Regardless of an organization's current position within the AgSafe BC COR certification cycle, employers transferring to a new Certifying Partner will be considered new COR participants and will begin a new three-year certification cycle.

Will there be any preparation requirements before challenging a new Certifying Partner's audit tool?

The new Certifying Partner may conduct a gap analysis using its audit tool to assess an employer's readiness for certification. Based on the results, the Certifying Partner and AgSafe BC will work collaboratively with employers to strengthen their Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). This process may also help address any action plan items identified following a certification audit.

As an internal auditor for a COR-certified small employer, what is required to conduct a 2027 audit?

Internal auditors will need to contact their new Certifying Partner and complete the applicable internal auditor training for that organization's audit tool. For employers who are currently COR certified, this training will be provided at no cost in 2027.

Will large COR-certified employers be required to pay for an external auditor to complete the 2027 certification audit?

No. Current large employers that are COR certified and choose to continue in the program with a new Certifying Partner will not be required to pay for an external auditor to conduct their 2027 certification audit.

What happens if an employer does not pass the audit in 2027?

If an employer is unsuccessful in meeting certification requirements with the new CP in 2027, WorkSafeBC will review the circumstances on a case-by-case basis. The proposed approach is limited-scope remediation: the employer corrects only the failed section and is re-audited on that section before certification.

What if my company decides not to continue with the COR Program?

Please inform the COR Program Manager on your decision to not continue with the program, and we will process the request according.

What role will AgSafe BC continue to play after the transition?

AgSafe BC will continue to serve as the Health and Safety Association for Classification Units 701001-701031. AgSafe BC and the WSBC transition team will remain available through 2027 to answer questions and provide support to employers and industry stakeholders to help ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Certifying Partner Options

AgSafe and WorkSafeBC have reviewed industry classifications and Certifying Partner capacities to identify suitable options for participating employers. Organizations may select any approved Certifying Partner capable of supporting their industry classification, audit requirements, and certification needs.

Approved Certifying Partners include:

  • BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA)
  • BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC)
  • BC Manufacturing Safety Alliance (MSA)
  • Energy Safety Canada (ESC)
  • go2HR
  • SafetyDriven

Employers are encouraged to contact prospective Certifying Partners to determine the best fit for their organization's operational and industry requirements.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions regarding your transition options, certification status, audit requirements, or recommended Certifying Partners, please contact:
stephanie@agsafebc.ca
604.880.7901